Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsMore of this, please!
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2021
If you like The Baby-Sitters Club and Raina's books, then you'll probably like this one, too. It's about allergies and so much more.
I think this book could be very comforting for kids who are coping with life changes, difficult feelings, and especially limitations beyond their control. Topics covered include fitting in at home and at school; forming and maintaining friendships; dealing with challenging feelings (jealousy, disappointment, and more) with resilience; and discovering new passions and interests. I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting. All of this might sound kind of heavy, but it doesn't come off that way at all. Everything is handled in a reassuring and encouraging way. It never gets sappy or preachy, or overly dramatic.
I really appreciated the gentle honesty in the book. Maggie has allergic reactions and undergoes allergy testing and allergy shots; in these scenes, both the visuals and the text help readers understand what's going on. Allergies are explained in an accessible way, and EpiPens are even discussed! I love how the book addresses both the physical and emotional impact of having serious allergies.
Maggie is likable and relatable, a sweet girl with plenty on her mind. She tries to be optimistic even when it's not easy, and she manages to bounce back after setbacks. She sometimes makes mistakes, too--which is important, because in reality, nobody is perfect. Her occasional missteps are part of what makes her relatable.
The other characters are well-developed. Maggie's dad is a real standout; he is thoughtful, understanding, and very involved in his kid's lives. Maggie's friend Sebastian is also particularly good; I really like that a character with different allergies was included.
Loved all the details in the artwork. As soon as I saw the early Charlotte's Web reference, I knew I liked Maggie. Loved the two-page spread comparing Maggie and Claire's houses. Loved the page showing Maggie and her dad enjoying ice cream together. Loved the entire last chapter, especially the last several pages--those panels are extra gorgeous!
Overall, VERY highly recommended. This is a good one!
